Independence High School is a public, co-educational high school located in Bakersfield, California. Its athletics are known as the Independence Falcons and the school colors are maroon and silver. Independence High School had their first class in 2008, with the first graduating class in 2011.
Serving 2,324 students in grades 9-12, Independence High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in California for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 17% (which is lower than the California state average of 34%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 62% (which is higher than the California state average of 47%).
The student-teacher ratio of 26:1 is higher than the California state level of 21:1.
Minority enrollment is 86% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is higher than the California state average of 80% (majority Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 2,324 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 26:1
- Minority Enrollment: 86%
- Graduation Rate: 94% (Top 30% in CA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 17% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 62% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 25% (Top 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Independence High serves the southwest part of Bakersfield, CA, covering approximately 201.9 square miles. Students typically drive 15-20 minutes to reach the school, with the average distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being 7.6 miles and the furthest edge located 16.6 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
School Overview
Independence High School's student population of 2,324 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 89 teachers has grown by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Total Students
2,324 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
89 teachers
Showing 2014–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2008
School Rankings
Independence High School ranks within the top 50% of all 9,523 schools in California (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Independence High School is 0.55, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.63. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#4459 out of 9523 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
17%
34%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
62%
47%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
25%
29%
Student-Teacher Ratio
26:1
21:1
Showing 2014–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
8%
12%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
65%
56%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Black
8%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
White
14%
20%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
5%
6%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
94%
86.2%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)19%
27.7%
Eligible for Free Lunch
59%
54%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
15%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Silver, Maroon
School Mascot
Falcon
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), CA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Independence High School's ranking?
Independence High School is ranked #4459 out of 9,523 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in California.
What schools are Independence High School often compared to?
Independence High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Stockdale High School, Ridgeview High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
17% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 34% CA state average), while 62% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 47% CA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Independence High School?
The graduation rate of Independence High School is 94%, which is higher than the California state average of 86.2%.
How many students attend Independence High School?
2,324 students attend Independence High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Independence High School students are Hispanic, 14% of students are White, 8% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Black, and 5% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Independence High School?
Independence High School has a student ration of 26:1, which is higher than the California state average of 21:1.
What grades does Independence High School offer ?
Independence High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12
What school district is Independence High School part of?
Independence High School is part of Kern High School District.
In what neighborhood is Independence High School located?
Independence High School is located in the Park Avenue neighborhood of Bakersfield, CA.
School Reviews
Review Independence High School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
When a Public School Cancels a Course Your Child Needs
Learn what parents can do when public schools cancel essential courses, including protecting graduation credits, finding approved alternatives, requesting substitutions, and preventing disruptions to college or career plans before deadlines.
Verify School Assignment Before Buying a House
Before buying a house, learn how to verify your child's assigned public school, check conflicting property listings, confirm enrollment eligibility, and avoid costly school assignment surprises before closing on a property.
School Bus Commute Times: What Parents Should Know
Discover how long school bus commutes really take, why routes vary, and what parents should ask about pickup times, student fatigue, transportation reliability, and daily schedules before choosing schools.
